Bioactive filtration media, providing an ideal colonization substrate and a suitable source of organic carbon to beneficial microbes responsible for uptake of nitrate and phosphate.

Helps decrease latent organic material, and hence nitrate and phosphate concentrations, in aquaria, greatly simplifying and improving nutrient control relative to methods based solely upon using vodka or other alcohol/sugar solutions as organic carbon sources.

May be used with MicroBacter7 and/or as part of a low-nutrient approach to aquarium husbandry.

Improves water clarity through remineralization of latent dissolved organic compounds present in system.

Safe for use in all freshwater and marine aquaria, including planted and reef systems.

Made in the USA. Sold by mass, not volume; 1 g = ~1.6 ml of competing media.

Technical Background: In all aquaria, it is prudent to establish a stable nutrient budget in which the rate of nutrient export is not greatly exceeded by the rate of nutrient input, and vice versa; in the proper physical and chemical conditions, the former imbalance leads to increased presence of nuisance organisms such as filamentous algae and cyanobacteria, whereas the latter leads to malnourished aquarium inhabitants. The nutrients of greatest concern to most aquarists are nitrate and phosphate, both of which require active removal and/or remineralization in aquatic habitats to ensure that they do not exceed concentrations that are deemed as safe for the ornamental organisms inhabiting those systems, or that would otherwise impact the appearance of the system, itself. KATALYST provides a static surface for colonization by beneficial microbes, while at the same time providing them with a source of organic carbon, which is required for the uptake of nitrogen and phosphorus compounds (including nitrate and phosphate, respectively).

In this fashion, KATALYST improves nutrient-uptake efficiency relative to systems employing only live rock, live sand, and/or inert plastic material as a substrate for microbial colonization. The colonization of KATALYST with the appropriate types of nutrient-remineralizing microorganisms, such as those found in MICROBACTER7, serves to deplete existing concentrations of dissolved organic material from the aquarium. Instructions and Guidelines: KATALYST should be housed in a media reactor, canister filter, or fluidized-bed reactor with a means of controlling water flow through the media bed, and with a pre-filter in place to restrict particulate material from entering the reaction vessel. Moderate water flow will discourage the accumulation of latent organic material in the media bed, itself, and will improve overall results.

Dissolved oxygen concentration and/or pH in the aquarium may temporarily decrease when new media is added; ensure that adequate aeration of water is employed at all times when using KATALYST, and monitor and adjust pH as necessary. In marine aquaria, maintain operation of protein skimmer at all times to ensure that adequate degassing and oxygenation of water is taking place. Systems with [NO3-] and/or [PO43-] <5 ppm and 0.02 ppm, respectively: employ ~1 g of KATALYST per 2 US-gallons of water in aquarium system. Add 1 ml MICROBACTER7 per 20 US-gallons in system daily for first 4 weeks to seed KATALYST media. In systems with elevated concentrations of these nutrients, employ up to twice the afore-mentioned mass and volume, respectively, of KATALYST and MICROBACTER7. Allow at least 4 weeks for media to become adequately colonized for significant changes in nutrient concentrations to become evident. When nutrient concentrations drop below the target values (user-defined), decrease the daily dosage of MICROBACTER7 to maintain these levels. Replenish KATALYST media as necessary to counter gradual dissolution (on the order of months) that is the result of microbial consumption of the material. The rate of media deterioration is largely related to the nutrient load in the system: the higher the rate of nutrient input, the more quickly the media will be consumed by microbes.

Caution: Keep out of reach of children. Not for human consumption.

Manufacturer Info

Brightwell Aquatics Aquarium SuppliesThe goal of Brightwell Aquatics is to provide the absolute highest quality, scientifically-sound products and customer service of any aquarium water care manufacturer, and to do it all in a straight-forward and honorable fashion. All Brightwell products are formulated by marine scientists with a passion for the aquarium hobby. They utilize the highest purity ingredients in concentrations that provide the most use to hobbyists. Nearly all Brightwell Aquatics products are over 99.9% pure. The usage guidelines of Brightwell Aquatics products are written in plain language but the company is always available to answer consumer questions. All products are lot numbered for quality control and customer service.

Excelent

by
EDWIN CASTRO

Excellent!

Posted: 2/24/2013 from MIAMI, FL UNITED STATES

4.55

Experience Level:
Expert

Comments:At first I had my doubts about this product, a friend gave me a bit and I decided to try it really works I have controlled my 300litros nitrates. I have been adding more quantity gradually and now down to 20 ppm nitrate 3ppm in a few weeks, I will continue using it until undetectable nitrates.

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